Interview with Jerry Troyer - Cover Story - June 2026

Hello Jerry, for those who may not know you yet, can you tell us a little about yourself and your journey into spiritual guidance and counseling?

My career in spiritual guidance and counseling has taught me that true healing, relational growth, and falling in love with God—whether for the first time or again—can bring answers to crises, grief, and unresolved relationships. Over the years, I worked alongside counselors who utilized only self-actualization, and I noticed that many of their patients remained in counseling for years.

Teaching surrender to the Lord, recognizing His amazing love and grace, can provide healing that is limitless. Yearning for the Lord and receiving His blessings while striving to be surrendered brings a boundless love that cannot be achieved on one’s own.

You’ve had a diverse career in spiritual guidance and counseling—how did these experiences shape your approach to life and helping others?

These experiences taught me that true healing and growth happen when people are open to surrendering to God, seeking forgiveness and embracing His grace. I’ve seen how emotional and spiritual healing can transform lives and relationships. My work has shown me that people often need both practical guidance and spiritual care to move forward in a healthy and meaningful way.

In your journey from financial planning to spiritual counseling, what motivated you to make such a significant career shift?

Within financial planning and counseling, I observed many people who had not properly planned for the future or retirement. I repeatedly heard people say, “We have no idea where our money goes.” During economic downturns, many who live paycheck to paycheck panic when financial challenges arise.

I realized there was a need not only for financial guidance but also for emotional and spiritual support. Many people lose the ability to make wise financial decisions when under stress. I saw the need for someone who could help with both financial structure and emotional health.

How do you balance your various roles—author, chaplain, counselor, and leader—on a daily basis?

Learning how to balance these roles took years to formulate and practice. I have to be very structured. I work from a weekly plan and schedule counseling sessions, meetings, and events carefully while also setting time aside for emails, texts, and phone calls. I do my best writing early in the morning and strive to make time for worship, family, and rest.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your work in spiritual guidance and writing?

Observing the responses of people whose lives have been impacted positively has been deeply rewarding. Whether readers are believers, seekers, skeptics, non-believers, or agnostics, it gladdens my heart to see them inspired to seek resolution with God.

What inspired you to write Awakening to the Truth, and what message do you hope readers take away from it?

My inspiration came from interacting with people over many years. My hope is that readers will consider God and the mighty work He is doing—and can do—within people when they allow Him to be present in their lives. I also hope readers will build a relationship with the Lord and accept Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Can you share a pivotal moment or chapter in the book that holds special significance for you?

Chapter Nine holds the story of Dr. Pope, a fictional name based on a true story about a doctor who treated my wife for a precancerous condition requiring thyroid surgery. Later, we learned he had tragically lost another patient and, overwhelmed by grief, had taken his own life. That chapter is especially meaningful to me because it highlights the emotional struggles even highly respected professionals can face.

How does your background in biblical counseling and pastoral care influence the themes in the book?

Most clients come to me with some faith background or are open to discussing God. I used biblical content that proved helpful to clients and incorporated those lessons into the book. The themes are grounded in understanding God’s love and redemption.

How do you envision the impact of Awakening to the Truth on your readers and community?

My greatest hope is that readers will realize there is no condemnation in this book. I want them to know that asking questions and having doubts are acceptable to God. I hope the book reaches deeply into people’s souls and offers authentic answers that guide them in faith.

What are your goals for the future as an author? Are you working on another book?

My goal is to write another book based on the same premise—new true stories that resonate with people and help them recognize God in the midst of life’s situations.

What are your top four tips for couples entering marriage?

1. Make God the center of your marriage.

2. Honor and respect one another.

3. During disagreements both of you seek God’s counsel rather than letting anger rule.

4. Make a pact that neither of you will say the words ‘never’ or ‘always’ during an argument.

If someone is facing a financial crisis, what is one practical step they can take to get back on track?

Seek out a financial counselor and create a spending plan to understand your financial reality. Prioritize the most important payments, contact creditors with a plan to repay, and keep moving forward, with God, even when things feel difficult, it is the method to overcome financial crises.

Jerry Troyer is a passionate storyteller with a deep love for the Christian faith.

Throughout his life he has always been drawn to the world of words, spending countless hours immersed in books that sparked his imagination.

A great portion of his life has been spent listening to people’s stories, hearing those seeking counsel and delivery words of support to those seeking it. Awakening to the Truth is the culmination of years of dedication, drawing inspiration from influences, education, and study and life experiences. With a background in ministry and Christian education Jerry has honed a work with a thoughtful and engaging voice that speaks directly to both seekers of Christianity and non-believers. His journey as a writer is centered in relationships, counseling clients, Christian studies and personal reflections. This book is a culmination of years of exploration and dedication in his spiritual journey and diverse experiences of those he has encountered.

Find out more at jerrytroyer.com.

Cover story published in The Relatable Voice Magazine - June 2026. Downolad the full magazine for free at https://www.relatable-media.com/the-relatable-voice-magazine